Platform Engineer

Ncounter Limited; Bath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology service provider is seeking a Platform Engineer for a major Defence Cloud transformation programme in the UK. The role involves building and maintaining Kubernetes clusters on Google Cloud Platform while optimizing CI/CD processes and implementing security controls. The ideal candidate should have hands-on Kubernetes expertise and active DV clearance. Join this ambitious initiative to modernize critical infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Active DV clearance is essential for this role.
• Hands-on expertise with Kubernetes is required.
• Valid experience in container orchestration and GCP services is needed.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain highly available Kubernetes clusters.
• Optimize cluster configurations and implement security controls.
• Streamline CI/CD processes in compliance with Defence standards.

Skills

Kubernetes expertise

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

CI/CD pipelines

DevOps tooling

Active DV clearance

Tools

Terraform

GitLab

ArgoCD

Job description

Contract: Platform Engineer - Defence Cloud Programme

Ncounter are supporting a major Defence Cloud transformation programme delivered in partnership with a global technology provider. This multi‑year initiative is driving the evolution of secure, scalable cloud infrastructure across several £100m+ workstreams.

We're seeking a Platform Engineer with deep Kubernetes expertise to help design, deploy, and optimise containerised workloads on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). You'll be joining a collaborative engineering environment where automation, resilience, and speed of delivery are key.

The Role: You'll take ownership for building and maintaining highly available Kubernetes clusters to support mission‑critical applications. Working closely with architects and developers, you’ll optimise cluster configuration, implement advanced security controls, and streamline CI/CD processes. Your remit will cover everything from designing Helm charts and managing service meshes to ensuring compliant, reproducible deployments in line with strict Defence standards.

Key Skills & Experience

• Active DV clearance (essential)
• Hands‑on expertise with Kubernetes (GKE preferred) – cluster design, scaling, RBAC, and security policy management
• Strong working knowledge of GCP services, infrastructure‑as‑code, and container orchestration
• Proficiency with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling (Terraform, GitLab, ArgoCD or similar)
• Background in Defence, National Security, or other highly regulated environments
• Collaborative mindset, able to operate across architecture, security, and delivery teams

Why Apply?

This is one of the UK’s most ambitious cloud transformation programmes – modernising infrastructure that underpins national resilience and security. You’ll work alongside some of the most capable engineers in the sector, contributing directly to outcomes that matter.

If you’re a Platform Engineer who lives and breathes Kubernetes and wants to apply that expertise on a truly meaningful scale, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to learn more.